Clinical Dietitian

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Senior Clinical Dietitians Specialists and the Clinical Nutrition Director/Supervisor, and in accordance with established policies, procedures, and departmental standards of practice, the Clinical Dietitian provides nutritional care to hospital patients throughout their stay at Brown University Health. Interviews patients and/or family members and reviews electronic health records to assess nutritional needs and develops individualized nutrition plans of care. The dietitian monitors and evaluates indicators and outcome data related to the nutrition diagnosis, goals, preferences, and intervention strategies to determine progress and adjust interventions as needed. Patient progress is documented and nutritional plans are updated in the electronic health record. The dietitian directs support personnel in the assigned work area as required. Brown University Health employees are expected to embrace the organization’s mission of delivering health with care and to role‑model the values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Uses accurate and relevant data and information to identify nutrition‑related problems, including current and past personal, medical, family, and psychosocial history. Assesses anthropometric indicators such as height, weight, BMI, arm circumference and compares them to reference data to identify individual patterns and history. Assesses laboratory profiles (e.g., acid‑base balance, renal function, endocrine function, inflammatory response, vitamin/mineral profile, lipid profile) and medical tests and procedures. Obtains, assesses, and reassesses findings from the Nutrition‑Focused Physical Examination (NFPE), including indicators of vitamin, mineral deficiency/toxicity, edema, muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, altered body composition, malnutrition, pressure injuries, oral health, feeding ability, appetite, and affect. Obtains food and nutrition‑related history, including intake, administration, medication and diet supplement use, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes, and food security. Uses reference data and standards to estimate nutrient needs and recommended body weight, BMI, and desired growth patterns. Collects data and reviews information documented by the dietetic technician, other healthcare practitioners, patients, or staff for factors that affect nutrition and health status. Uses collected data to identify possible problem areas for determining nutrition diagnosis, and re‑evaluates and revises diagnoses per department standards of care. Base interventions and plans of care on best available research, evidence‑based guidelines, and best practices. Documents patients’ nutritional care plans on the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care and regularly monitors status, updating the plan per standards of care. Participates in discharge planning, evaluating the patient’s condition from a nutritional perspective and recommending programs or procedures to enhance readiness for discharge. Conducts individual and group patient nutrition education both inpatient and outpatient, preparing patients and families for continued home care. Provides nutrition education through seminars and workshops for physicians, healthcare professionals, and community peer groups. Represents Food & Nutrition Services at interdisciplinary meetings. Participates in patient satisfaction initiatives and department programs in customer service to meet the department and hospital mission, vision, and goals. Participates in department quality improvement programs and financial and productivity measures as requested. May be requested to participate in community and media programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition or a related concentration from a US accredited college/university approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Completed an ACEND‑accredited supervised practice program and passed the national examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR). If registration eligible, provide documentation of scheduled exam date. License as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in the state of Rhode Island (must be obtained within 3 months of hire). Proof of application for license submitted upon employment; if registration eligible, proof of Rhode Island Department of Health license as a Dietitian/Nutritionist Graduate Practice prior to start date and successful completion of the CDR Registration Exam. Unlicensed dietitians’ notes must be cosigned by a licensed registered dietitian until a license is obtained. Thorough understanding of nutrition principles applied to human physiology in adult and pediatric disease states. Thorough knowledge of the nutrition care process and the nutritional values of food and food groups. Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills, and the ability to develop nutritional plans of care. Strong communication skills to deliver nutrition education through formal and informal channels. Administrative ability to direct and coordinate the delivery of quality nutrition care in assigned areas. Maintenance of CDR certification through completion of 75 hours of continuing education every five years and Rhode Island LDN of 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Membership preferred in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and relevant practice groups such as the Medical Nutrition Practice Group (MNPG) or the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group (PNPG). Ability to resolve patient food service satisfaction issues with knowledge of patient service operations. Proficient computer skills in MS Word; MS PowerPoint and MS Excel preferred.

EXPERIENCE

One to two years of experience as a Clinical Dietitian, preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sits, stands, and walks intermittently throughout the day. Exposed to a normal patient care environment when visiting patients and meeting healthcare personnel. May be required to lift up to 10 pounds. Hazards are minimized with established safety precautions. Travel to off‑site facilities may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None. Pay Range $58,489.60 – $96,491.20

EEO STATEMENT

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Location Bradley Hospital – 1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, East Providence, Rhode Island 02915 Work Type M, W, F 8:30‑5 p / 8‑4:30 p, on‑call alternating weekends Work Shift Day Daily Hours 8 hours Driving Required No #J-18808-Ljbffr Brown-University-Health-1